If it’s not enough that Woods is so far and away the best player in the world, that second place and beyond are country time zones away, inciting him steels his resolve even further and makes him even better.

That’s the kind of lethal combination Woods’ competitors need as much as they do a case of the shanks under Sunday pressure.

Rory Sabbatini’s bravado and frankness are worthy of being admired in this politically- correct world we find ourselves mired in, where the truth always seems to be hiding behind too many vanilla nonanswers for fear of repercussions.

But Sabbatini would be wise to choose his battles a bit more judiciously.

Go rattle Phil Mickelson’s cage about how he hasn’t been the same since Winged Foot or deliver a dissertation on why the younger generation of world-class talent such as Sergio Garcia and Adam Scott can’t win a major. Even call Vijay Singh and Colin Montgomerie out as alleged past cheaters if you must.

But don’t poke Tiger Woods in the ribs with the butt end of a 5-iron.

To review, the edgy South African told the golfing world in May at the Wachovia Championship in Charlotte that Woods is “more beatable” now than he has ever been. Sabbatini cited Woods’ new role as a father as one of his reasons, somehow believing that would distract him from his obsession with breaking Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major championships (Woods is seeking his 13th this week).

Even before he walked to the first tee to play in the final group with Woods, owning a one-shot lead Sunday at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, Sabbatini had chirped about having a “50-50 chance” to beat the world’s No. 1. Sabbatini then lost that lead over Woods faster than a Kyle Farnsworth fastball leaves the yard at Yankee Stadium.

Even after being chided by a spectator, who asked him, “Still think Tiger is beatable?” at the 10th tee Sunday, Sabbatini stubbornly didn’t temper his comments.

Several players interviewed by the Cleveland Plain Dealer Sunday in Akron took a very opposite tact to the one Sabbatini has continued to take on Woods. They genuflected at the mention of Woods, which is the better way to go.

“He’s got the guys beat mentally before they ever get to the first tee,” Tim Clark said.

“He’s just got a knack,” said Masters champion Zach Johnson, who staved off a Woods run at Augusta in April. “If I knew (what it was), I’d try to do it myself. He’s got a mental game, a mental toughness that far exceeds anybody.”Fred Funk said, “He’s got the physical ability and his mental capacity is ridiculous. He does everything you need to do to be the best and then thinks better than everybody else. He knows he’s better than everybody else.”

Added Vaughn Taylor: “You hate to have to sort of worship him because you’re trying to beat him, but you have to face reality sometimes.”

That reality is that Woods is better than everyone else. So why incite him and make him even better? For the sake of the rest of the field this week at Southern Hills, perhaps Sabbatini will come down with a mild case of laryngitis.